History and Biography

This hour-long film describes, through interviews, archival and contemporary images and footage, how a shortage of physicians and nurses in northwest Ohio in the 1950s and early 1960s inspired plans for a new medical school.

The greatest advocate for the school was Paul Block Jr., co-publisher of The Blade and an organic chemist. Through his efforts, and others, in 1964 the Medical College of Ohio at Toledo became the nation's 100th medical school, now the University of Toledo Medical Center (UTMC).

"MCO: A History of Healing and Teaching" explores how the college was born of innovation, with a campus that followed a modern architectural plan developed by the renowned architectural firm, Yamasaki and Associates. In 1979, a new teaching hospital opened and continues to serve the region today. MCO’s story is one of leadership in residency programs, nursing education, allied health programs and clinical research.

On-camera interviews share unique memories of the College's history, including the day in 1979 when patients, equipment and personnel moved from the school's original location at the old Maumee Valley Hospital to the new campus on Arlington Avenue.Of that moving day, Dr. Elizabeth Ruppert says "The memory is frozen in my mind of standing in the lobby of the new hospital…we had done it. It was one of those rare moments when all was right with world." Dr. Ruppert's late husband, Dr. Richard Ruppert, was the school's third president.

Individuals featured in the program include:Dr. Ruth Alteneder, Professor Emerita of Nursing, University of ToledoAllan Block, Chairman of Block Communications Inc. and the son of Paul Block Jr.John Robinson Block, Editor-In-Chief of The Blade, Publisher of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the son of Paul Block Jr.Dr. S. Amjad Hussain, Professor Emeritus of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery, UTMC, and a member of the University of Toledo's Board of TrusteesDr. Lloyd Jacobs, President, University of ToledoDr. Maurice Manning, Distinguished University Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, UTMCDr. James Patrick, Professor Emeritus of Pathology UTMC and Lucas County CoronerDr. Elizabeth Ruppert, Professor Emerita of Pediatrics, UTMCDr. Mary Smith, Professor, Department of Pathology, UTMCDr. Donna Woodson, Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UTMC

WNET's program AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES II provided the opportunity for WGTE to have a local individual’s DNA tested so that a Toledo Story could be produced. The WGTE story revolves around Charlene Gilbert, the Director of the Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women at the University of Toledo. Gilbert, a nationally-known Public Television film maker, steps in front of the camera in order to localize the experience for Toledo audiences. Thanks to DNA evidence, Gilbert furthers her own understanding of her unique ancestry.

In conjunction with this special evening of programming, WGTE also presented Gilbert’s film, HOMECOMING, about her own family history.

It takes a village to raise a festival.Each year the tiny village of Grand Rapids, Ohio, throws opens its streets and hearts to tens of thousands of guests.

Discover the history of the Grand Rapids Applebutter Fest and get a glimpse behind the scenes as it comes together. This celebration of family, art, history, and of course, Applebutter, mobilizes hundred of volunteers... in a small town of less than a thousand.

These words, along with a strong spiritual grounding, comprise the very core of the Cherry Street Mission Ministries. Even after 65 years, they continue to embrace everyone who has come in need: rescuing them from the streets, restoring their dignity, and releasing them back into the world better equipped than ever. No one is turned away.

This program is an exploration of the holiday traditions shared by the many ethnic groups of Northwest Ohio. Whether celebrating Christmas, Chanukah or Kwanzaa, the elements of food, family and festivity unite us all. Don’t miss this memory-filled special, featuring local families who relate their own experiences.

Find out more about Ella P. Stewart, the first practicing black pharmacist in the country; LeMaxie Glover, a nationally-recognized sculptor who taught art in the Toledo Public Schools; and Art Tatum, the legendary jazz musician fom Toledo. The program includes recollections from more contemporary African-American Leaders.

They came for the opportunity. They stayed because they had made a home for themselves and their families. The Irish provided a crucial cornerstone in the building of Toledo. This WGTE production celebrates their contribution to our heritage.

See how German immigrants helped bring this region to life. Beginning in the 1830s and continuing into the 20th century, thousands of Germans immigrated to northwest and west central Ohio, clearing the land and draining the swamp for farming, establishing businesses, and building churches that formed the hearts of their neighborhoods.

Polish immigrants settled in two distinct Toledo neighborhoods, "Lagrinka" in the north and "Kuschwantz" on the southern outskirts of the city. The Poles helped to build Toledo with a sense of pride, rooted in their desire to claim a part of it as their own.

The fascinating story of Toledo's growth and development from a swampy, unsettled wilderness to a major/industrial center. Included is colorful background on the Toledo-Michigan War, and the merger of Toledo's parent communities - Port Lawrence and Vistula - and told by local historians.

This nationally-important fort, located in northwest Ohio on the banks of the Maumee River, played a crucial role in the War of 1812. Built by General William Henry Harrison to defend the Ohio Country against British invasion, Fort Meigs constitutes the largest wooden walled fortification in North America.

This fort played a key role in both the French and Indian War (1754-1760) and the American Revolution (1775-1783). In 1755, the French began constructing Fort Carillon on the Ticonderoga peninsula at the southern end of Lake Champlain. The largest battle of the French and Indian War was fought here on July 8, 1758, when the French defeated a British army five times larger. Later captured by the British, in 1759, it was renamed Fort Ticonderoga. America's first victory of the American Revolution came on May 10, 1775, when Ehtan Allen and Benedict Arnold captured the fort.

This Toledo Stories presentation explores the remarkable 50 year history of the Studio Art Glass Movement that began at an innovative workshop held at the Toledo Museum of Art in 1962. "Into the Fire" features glass artists from around the nation celebrating the work of three visionaries who led the original 1962 workshops; ceramics artist Harvey Littleton, chemist Dominick Labino and the Director of the Toledo Museum of Art, Otto Wittmann.

Explores how the first Muslim immigrants arrived early in the last century and developed a thriving and established community. Today, more than 20 nationalities live in the Toledo region and have found personal and financial success, a freedom of religious expression, and a new and welcoming home.

TOLEDO STORIES presents an inspirational story told by members of the Islamic Community. A variety of voices and viewpoints are expressed by long-established Toledo families, welcomed newcomers and area historians. The program explores the beauty and history of the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo, discusses our region's religious diversity and reveals the many fascinating paths that brought many Muslim immigrants to the Toledo area.

Developed for the battlefield during World War II, the Jeep was called the wartime "limousine of Presidents and Privates" and was the vehicle of choice for transport and attack. This remarkable documentary, produced by WGTE Public Media, vividly recalls how the small and mighty Jeep carried men and supplies, acted as a power source for heat and light, served as an emergency ambulance and even acted as an altar for chaplains on the battlefield.

Follow the surprising story of the Jeep's original design, the result of hard lessons learned from the First World War. See the assembly lines at the Jeep's home in Toledo, Ohio, and hear the compelling eyewitness accounts from soldiers, Jeep plant auto workers and female test-drivers as they tell the true story of the vehicle that helped win the war.

Explores Lake Erie's impact on the history, economy, agriculture, recreation and industry of communities in Ohio. Using archival film, photographs, and high definition footage, WGTE illustrates how this invaluable natural resource influences virtually every aspect of the lives of those living near the lake. The program examines the geology of how the lake was created, the Native American presence, the settlement of the state, the recreation the lake provides, and the impact of industry, agriculture and human interaction on the lake itself.

This program is supported, in part, by the Ohio Humanities Council, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Inhale, once again, the aromas of the first floor food displays. Thread your way through the crowds to see "the giant" and find a seat in the Seaway Cafeteria for Art Barrie's "Summit Conference" radio broadcast. See where the sidewalks bustle with shoppers making plans to meet at Tiedtke's.

Founded in 1958 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Lourdes College has played an integral role in the education of Northwest Ohio residents, as well as the region's growth and development. Originally intended to provide educational opportunities for the Sisters, Lourdes College has expanded to include students of all ages, from all walks of life.

Today, Lourdes College is a four-year liberal arts college offering a rich variety of courses. The 2007-2008 academic year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of Lourdes College. This half-hour documentary draws a fascinating portrait of the school's mission to provide a unique values-based education, all within a community grounded in learning, reverence and service.

This story documents the very beginnings of the Lutheran Home Society Orphanage, the development of the Old Folks Home and the eventual care organization that developed to serve our area today. Meet people who grew up in its care, historians and those who have spent their lives serving others.

For more than 125 years, Maumee Valley Country Day School has pushed the boundaries of education to provide students with a remarkable learning experience. It is fiercely loved by its alumni, most of whom consider their years at the school as a gift and a privilege and the most important time in their lives.

In 1903, Michael J. Owens patented the glass bottle making machine, and the world has never been the same since. See how the growth of O-I mirrors the path of American packaging and consumerism, as well as our new-found respect for recycling containers of glass and plastic to "Keep America Beautiful."

Mike Gittinger was a newsreel cameraman, supplying the big film studios and grand movie palaces with exciting stories from Toledo, Ohio. Unlike today's newsmen, however, he not only covered the news - he often created the news! Stringer is Gittinger's reflections and his film footage as he recounts highlights of his career during the early days of newsreels from 1928-1949. This program was broadcast on Public Television nationwide.

A complete life story of Millie Benson, this video contains a rare interview with the late Millie Benson who is the writer primarily of the Nancy Drew Mysteries. Learn about Benson's exciting life from her midwestern childhood to big city success. Experts on American literature and those who knew her well tell the story.

Founded in 1878, the history of the Toledo Bar Association is truly the history of Toledo. From the early days of circuit judges, traveling through the Great Black Swamp, through the 20th century and into the 21st, you'll get a new awareness of how the Bench and Bar in our community have contributed to improve the lives of residents living in our region.

Join the Mud Hens for a look at their humble beginnings to today. This one-hour long documentary chronicles the history of the Toledo team. Archival footage, photographs and interviews help tell the story of the Mud Hens, including a special appearance by Toledo native Jamie Farr.

Toledo celebrates over 100 years of The Toledo Museum of Art in this program that explores the museum’s beginnings at the turn of the 20th century, and chronicles its growth in the community. The people who made it happen are profiled, the remarkable buildings are remembered and the world-renowned collection is highlighted.

Interviews with John Saunders, Jim Rudes, and Frank Venner, all successful radio hosts who made the transition to television personalities. You'll see early (and often hilarious) television spots, Romper Room's Miss Connie and the most memorable moments from Toledo broadcast history.

Would you believe it all started with a woodchuck? In the spring of 1900, Toledo businessman Carl Hillebrand heard that park officials were interested in starting a zoo in Toledo. He offered an overgrown woodchuck to Peter J. Mettler, then superintendent of Walbridge Park. From this solitary animal, The Toledo Zoo was born.

For generations of people in Northwest Ohio, downtown Toledo was a hot spot, offering plenty of big city entertainment. Anybody looking for a night out could choose from several movie theaters, supper clubs with floor shows, and dance halls featuring nationally known bands.

WGTE looks at the history and the legacy of the '60s and '70s through the inspiring life of UT Quarterback Chuck Ealey. Experience the joys and the highs, the electricity and the love, the pains and the sorrows, the perseverance and fight for equality. Take a journey with us, Chuck Ealey and his UT Rocket football team members as we travel from Portsmouth Notre Dame High School in southern Ohio to the University of Toledo and on to the Canadian Football League.